Investigation of solutions of chalcogenides for application in thin film photovoltaics
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
Low-cost atmospheric deposition of semiconductor absorbance layers for application in photovoltaic solar cells that do not require expensive instrumentation continue to attract interest of researchers and engineers alike. This project is based on our recent discovery of combinations of solvents capable of dissolving various inorganic salts, which were successfully applied in the fabrication of CIGS PV devices. However, the nature of solutes remains unclear. Therefore this project is dedicated to fill this gap and to carry out investigation of the solutions of metal chalcogenides relevant to the formation of semiconductor thin films. Apart from chalcogenides, pure metals and metal oxides will be also investigated. We aim to establish exact chemical composition of the dominating species of metal complexes in the solutions that will enable better understanding of the underlying chemical processes and will facilitate development of conditions for thermal decomposition of the complexes to form semiconductor films with given stoichiometry and composition. The main focus will be on, but not limited to, the complexes of Cu, Zn and Sn comprising the CZTS thin films. The results will be used in fabrication of efficient solution processed solar cells.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509516/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1802212 | Studentship | EP/N509516/1 | 01/07/2016 | 31/12/2019 | Jamie Lowe |
| Description | One of the aims of this research was to discover the exact chemical compositions present in our solutions, this has been achieved through mass spectrometry, as well as raman and infrared spectroscopy to a lesser extent. Compounds formed in solution have been discovered for Cu, Zn, and Sn. Using this information the aim was to improve our solar cell fabrication process. Using techniques such as thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, this has also been achieved. We now use spin coating to deposit our solution, rather than spray pyrolysis which had proven to be difficult previously. The improved fabrication has led to the partial completion of the final aim, which was to improve highly efficient kesterite solar cells. We have achieved much higher efficiencies than we previously had produced, with our champion device now possessing an efficiency of 8.1%. |
| Exploitation Route | The improved understanding of our solution and fabrication process could lead to even greater improvements in efficiency by another researcher, hopefully leading to kesterite solar cells becoming a valid commercial option. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |